The New York Giants cut their starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw and starting defensive tackle Chris Canty to clear more cap space.

Bradshaw was due to make $3.75 million in base salary this season and had two years remaining on his contract. Canty was set to make $6.25 million this season in base salary and also had two years left on his deal.

The team had previously waived linebacker Michael Boley, who was due $4.25 million in base salary.

All three veterans were key components in the Giants' Super Bowl run in 2011.

The Giants have to create space to keep young stars such as wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz and free agents such as left tackle Will Beatty, Stevie Brown and Andre Brown.

Aside from winning two Super Bowl titles and ranking ninth on the team's all-time rushing TDs list, Bradshaw, 26, is sixth on the team's career rushing yards list. He rushed for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns this past season.

However, he's had a history of foot and ankle injuries.

Besides being Eli Manning's best pass protector in the backfield, Bradshaw also was considered one of the team's most inspirational leaders through his hard punishing runs.

Canty had 26 tackles and three sacks in nine games after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. The 6-foot-7 defensive tackle played four seasons for the Giants after signing as a free agent from Dallas